What is the Most Effective Depression Treatment?

The best treatment for depression differs from person to. Speak to your doctor about what may work for you.

It is possible to test a few antidepressants until you find one that works for you. You might need to mix psychotherapy and antidepressants, or with a medication to treat another mental or physical condition like an anxiety drug, thyroid hormone or mood stabilizer.

Medication

For people with mild to moderate depression, medication to treat anxiety and depression is often an effective treatment for depression. Antidepressants alter the levels of certain brain chemicals that are involved in mood. They also aid in reducing the frequency of depressive episodes. But, it's crucial to take these medications as prescribed by your doctor. If you don't, they won't work.

Doctors recommend beginning with a selective Serotonin Reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine paroxetine and sertraline, Zoloft, or vilazodone. In numerous clinical trials, these medications were found to be more effective that placebo. They can have serious side effects, so it's crucial to talk with your doctor prior to when you begin or stop taking any of these medications.

You may have to test various antidepressants before you find one that works for you. You might also need to combine antidepressants with psychotherapy or other treatments. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) might be an option for some patients suffering from an extreme form of depression or a life-threatening condition. This procedure uses electrical impulses to cause controlled seizures in the brain. It is effective in treating depression fast and is recommended for patients who have not had success with other treatments.

The findings of a recent study suggest that a specific type of ECT known as high-frequency ECT (HFECT) may be as effective as or better than conventional ECT in treating refractory depression. Researchers compared HFECT with standard ECT on 23 patients who had an history of treatment resistant depression. All patients had tried other depression treatments like psychotherapy or physical exercise. Researchers found that HFECT significantly reduced depression symptoms and had less adverse effects than ECT.

Other holistic treatment For depression options include light therapy, which is used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This involves sitting in front of a bright light for about half an hour every morning. A light box or lamp can be used at home. Certain health insurance plans, Employee Assistance Programs and churches offer light therapy. Healthy eating, exercise and adequate sleep are also suggested. It is also essential to stay clear of alcohol and recreational drugs because they can worsen depression and make it harder to respond to homeopathic treatment for depression.

Psychotherapy

Depression can sag your energy and make it difficult to carry out the daily tasks. But the positive side is that if you seek help your chances of recovery are very high. A combination of psychotherapy provided by a professional and medications can provide relief for people who are depressed.

Therapists in therapy listen without judgment to help you explore your emotions and concerns in a supportive atmosphere. They also teach you coping skills and encourage self-awareness that can aid in improving mental well-being.

There are a variety of types of psychotherapy for depression including cognitive therapy that helps you identify negative or distorted thinking patterns and discover healthy ways to deal with difficult emotions. Behavioral therapy can help you improve your interpersonal relationships, learn how to manage stress and develop skills for problem solving. Other therapies, such as the dialectical behavior therapy or acceptance and commitment therapy, are often used to address the underlying issues that cause depression, like self-injury behaviors and chronic suicidal phobias.

Psychotherapy can also be a beneficial option for those suffering from chronic depression that hasn't been able to be treated with medication or for those who cannot take antidepressants due to allergies or health reasons. In some cases doctors may suggest an alternative depression treatment options or complementary therapy for depression. This could include transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) which is a method that uses a coil placed on the scalp to send magnetic pulses that affect the neurotransmitters' function.

In addition to helping people regain a sense of control and enjoyment in their lives Psychotherapy can also assist family members or friends who are struggling with the effects of depression on their loved ones. Therapy for marital or family members is often recommended for those who are living with someone who is struggling with depression. It can ease tension and stress among family members, and offer them the tools to help their loved ones in a healthy and positive way. A trained therapist can also teach them how to help their loved family members overcome depression.

Exercise

Exercise is an inexpensive and safe way to treat depression and anxiety. It alters the levels of brain chemicals, improves balance and flexibility improves energy levels and reduces stress. It can also improve your sleep and boost self-esteem. It's important to check with your GP before starting anything new or stepping up your workout.

In large-scale studies, both men and women who exercise develop depression at a much lower rate than those who sit. It's difficult to determine whether exercise can treat depression that already exists. It is important to research it just like any other drug. Randomly assigning people suffering from depression either to exercise or to the control group, and then tracking their progress.

The largest study on physical activity as a treatment option for depression to date suggests it works at a minimum as well as standard medications and psychotherapy. The study combined the results from 41 trials that included 265 participants. The study revealed that almost all types of exercise can reduce depression symptoms. However, some are more effective than others. The most efficient exercises were jogging or walking, yoga and strength training. The benefits increased as intensity of the exercise increased, indicating that even light exercise can be beneficial.

Researchers suspect that there are multiple reasons why exercise can help with depression. Exercise helps to increase blood flow and oxygen in the brain. Another reason is that it boosts certain chemicals, like serotonin and dopamine. Other factors include the social benefits of group exercise as well as the psychological motivation that keeps people working out.

When people are depressed, they tend to stop or decrease their activities. Doctors advise that you try to resume them as soon as possible. They can help you regain pleasure and enjoyment. This is vital to beat depression. Doing things you enjoy can give your life meaning and purpose.

If you're unsure of which direction to take, consider the local gym or group fitness class. Speak to your doctor if you have a disability or injury. For more information and interactive resources, Black Dog Institute has a guide for exercise and depression, and Beyond Blue offers a template to help you plan your exercise.

Alternative or complementary therapies

Many alternative or 'natural treatment depression anxiety' treatments are used to treat mental health problems. These may include herbal remedies massage, acupuncture, and massage. These treatments haven't been scientifically tested, and they may cause side consequences. These treatments may also interact with other drugs. It is recommended to only use these treatments under the supervision of a therapist or doctor.

Cancer Council does not recommend these therapies because there is little research done on their effectiveness. Certain therapies have been advertised as "cancer remedies" however, they aren't tested. They may cause discomfort or harm to certain people, especially if trying to replace medical treatments.

The most effective treatment for depression typically includes both psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy is the term used to describe speaking about your thoughts and feelings with an experienced professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Certain types of psychological therapy are more specific to depression than others, but most will help you understand your condition and learn new ways to manage your depression. They include:

CBT is designed to alter negative thinking patterns and pessimistic assessments that can make depression worse. Psychotherapy for interpersonal relationships is focused on the relationships you have in your life and how you interact with them. Couples and family therapy can help improve communication in your relationships.

There are a variety of therapy, such as sessions with computers and online. They're usually less expensive than face-to-face sessions and might be helpful for some people. They aren't suitable for all, and a few aren't covered by insurance. Ask your therapist whether they have experience with these types of programs and ask them to recommend a program that might be suitable for you.

In a discussion with you health care provider, your doctor will go over the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements to determine how they affect your depression. They will also determine if you have any physical health conditions that may be associated with depression, like thyroid disease or chronic pain. They will also consider if another mental health issue such as bipolar disorder or personality disorders, could be a cause of your depression.